Pusat Pengajian Kejuruteraan Bahan dan Sumber Mineral - Monograf

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Kegunaan karbon teraktif dan resin dalam merawat air sisa menggunakan kaedah kolum
(2004-02-01)
Chen, Chee Siung
This project deals with the heavy metal removal using activated carbon and resin. The system comprises of 3 operation units: activated carbon column, resin column and the combination of activated carbon and resin column. The manufacturing industry generates wastewater that is hazardous to the environment and living organism. Thus, the objective of the project is to develop an effective method to reduce the heavy metal content in the wastewater. The prime objective of this research is to investigate the role and efficiency of both activated carbon type “Versatec” and resin IRC 718. The source of wastewater which consists of zinc as waste by products is obtained from a glove manufacturing industry in Penang. Parameters that will be emphasized in this research are retention time, mass of activated carbon / resin, height of column and also pH. There are altogether 11 experiments that have been carried out to determine the adsorption effectiveness between activated carbon and resin on 2 different heavy metals: zinc and copper. From the research, resin IRC 718 showed the better adsorption than the activated carbon type “Versatec”. It is also clear that the adsorption of zinc by resin and activated carbon is much better compared to copper. The adsorption percentage on zinc and copper using resin IRC 718 ranges from 93.83% to 98.96%. On the other hand, adsorption by activated carbon Versatec shows a lower percentage, ranging from 79.72% to 89.45%. Experiment conducted with a combination of resin and activated carbon in a column showed 100% adsorption compared with the single unit using resin or activated carbon. Adsorption isotherm studies is also being carried out to determine the adsorptive capability of zinc and copper. A comparison is made of the adsorption capabilities of the commercial activated carbon and ion exchange resin. On conclusion, the resin and activated carbon play an important role in heavy metal adsorption from the wastewater.
Kajian pengaruh saiz partikel alumina terhadap sifat sifat komposit matriks logam aluminium yang diperkuatkan dengan partikel alumina dihasilkan melalui kaedah metalurgi serbuk
(2004-03-01)
Seow, Eng Heng
Development of MMC in aerospace application attract more researcher focus find the way to improve mechanical properties and anisotropic. The distribution of particulate reinforcement will give effect to the mechanical properties. MMC reinforced with reinforcement particulate phase will solve the problem of anisotropic properties for MMC. Composite Al-Al2O3 use in this research. Reinforcement Al2O3 used because stable and inert with aluminium. Powder metallugy route use to produced component composite. Component powder composite mixes in ball mixer at 8 hour. Compacting pressure 250 Mpa and sintered at 600 ˚C in 5 hours. MMC samples prepared by 10 w t% Al2O3. Effect of various particulate size (0.3 μm, 1.0 μm, 3.0 μm, 12.5 μm, 25.0 μm) on the morphology at the composite surface observed by SEM. Distribution particulate more homogenous for larger size of particle. Particle size alumina 1.0 μm has density value and mechanical properties more smaller than other size. Size 25.0 μm has the smallest hardness, wear resistance and flexual strength value. Size 0.3 μm has the highest result for density, hardness, modulus sonic, coefficient thermal expantion, wear resistance and flexual strength but has small value for modulus elastic.
Pengelasan mineralogi dan kimia bagi lempung dari sarawak barat, malaysia untuk kegunaan dalam industri jubin di Malaysia
(2004-03-01)
Abdul Rahman, Hazrina
This study is carried out in order to make a chemical and mineralogy classification of kaolin and also to determine the physical properties and firing properties of clay for the use in the Malaysian tile industry. Five samples have been taken from four places of West Sarawak which including Kampung Sebangkoi, Jaong, Telaga Air and Kampung Keranji-Serayan (2 samples). In order to achieve the objective of the study, some characterization analysis has been conducted to the samples which can be divided into the mineralogy and chemical study which including, x-ray analysis, determination of morphology, particle size analysis, pH test, determination of loss of ignition contents and moisture contents. For physical study, the study for specific gravity, plasticity index and observations of the raw samples colour has been carried out. The study also conducted to the firing samples to determine the shrinkage, strength, porosity, water adsorption and bulk density of the body. From the study, the phase of mineral exists is almost the same which contains kaolinite, illite, mica and quartz. The contents of the oxides is also the same but different in the amount. The flaky morphology can be observed under the scanning electron microscopy. For the particles size distribution, all of the samples is very fine with more than 40% of the particles are less than two micron in size except for the sample from Jaong. Therefore, the plasticity index for the sample from Jaong is also low. For firing body, when the shrinkage increases, the porosity and the water adsorption rates is low. However, the bulk density will arise. The strength will be increases with the increasing of the firing temperature. The color of the body also will change to become brighter with the increasing of the firing temperature. After compared with the LORENZ specifications, not any of the samples is matching with all the specifications required. However, it is also some of the parameter is fulfilled. From the result obtained, it is suggested that the sample from Kampung Keranji-Serayan (B) is the most suitable as a raw materials in tile industry.
Kaitan antara perundangan kuari dengan industri pengkuarian
(2004-03-01)
Zainon Najib, Nor Wahidatul Azura
Laws, rules and procedures being practised in the quarrying industry in various forms where their enforcements on a whole are necessary for the efficient and safe operations of the quarrying industry. The aim of the project is to relate the quarry operation with the quarry rules such as Perak Quarry Rules 1992, Explosives Act 1957, Environmental Quality Act 1974 and various other related at acts. Among their aspects that were included are the effects before and after the quarry legislation being enforced. Other than that, problems arise from the quarry legislation are discussed and the recommendations made to solve the problem. It is being concluded that the quarry legislation give positive impact to the quarrying industry and it has to be enforced to guarantee efficient and safe quarrying operation.
Keselamatan dan kesihatan di sebuah kuari
(2004-03-01)
Jita, Japalan
Quarrying involved variety of activities that need to pay attention to the health and safety that involved manager, workers and the other person at the quarry, and the public. The aim of this project is to study about the occupational health and safety at a quarry. Other aspect that will be studied is that related to the source, effect, monitoring and the ways to prevent and to control the common accident and disease that occur at a quarry. This report is to summarize about the study that have been done about the cases that involved occupational safety and health at a quarry. Among those covered that will be are the ways of the safety and handling of the explosives and blasting, loading, controlling of the fly rock, monitoring of the dust, noise, etc.
Pencirian kesesuaian kaolin dari gua musang, kelantan untuk kegunaan industri kertas
(2004-03-01)
Che Halin, Dewi Suriyani
This project was carried out to investigate the characteristics of local kaolin for the paper industry. The investigation included the chemical and physical properties. Samples were taken from a few localities around Gua Musang, Kelantan. Kaolins are white raw materials, their essential constituent being fine grained white clay, which are amenable for beneficiation that make them ideal for an assortment of industrial applications. Characterization test that were conducted to all samples include particle size distribution, surface area, brightness, color, viscosity, water content and chemical composition, loss of ignition, pH. The characterizations were conducted to reviewed with respect to the uses for specific applications in paper industry. As we know, the results shown that the Gua Musang kaolin’s is not suitable for the paper industry. So that, beneficiation through new delamination techniques is the special process to improve the properties of kaolin. Delamination is a process where a large kaolinite stack is separated into several thin large diameter plates. The process involves the high shear agitation of a kaolin slurry wit pellets at optimum pulp density.
Kajian kesan saiz partikel alumina dan tempoh pengadukan ke atas sifat-sifat fizikal krusibel alumina yang dihasilkan menggunakan kaedah tuangan gel
(2004-03-01)
Mohamed Khalib, Rosfariza
Gel casting is a new forming method that not used widely. Gel casting is a process, which involved mixing organic monomer solution with ceramic powder slurry and then poured into the mold. In this process, monomer solution is polymerized by in situ process to form solid gel that bonds the ceramic powder particles. In this experiment, Particle size and mixing time will effect properties of alumina crucible. Alumina (Al2O3) crucible have been gel cast using five kinds of alumina with different particle size and two from that kinds of alumina have been gel cast using different mixing time. Five different alumina powder with various size has been study including Alumina Metco 105SFP, Alumina 001306, Alumina Metkon with size 0.05 μm, 0.3 μm and 1.0 μm. Each batch of slurry has been prepared for each particle sizes depend on the percentages of solid loading. After sintering process, some characterization testing is done such as linear shrinkage, density, permeablelity and microstructure studied. From the study, we can make a conclusion that alumina powder alumina Metco 105SFP can give the optimum result compare to other sizes. The optimum percentage of solid loading for this powder is 50%. Gel casting method also can produce the though complex shape body without collapse. The effect of particle size and mixing time on gel casting process and properties of alumina crucible have been investigated, including process parameters affecting homogeneous green microstructure. The cast able solid loading of each starting materials, Alumina Metco 105SFP-50, 001306-30, Metkon 1.0 μm-38, Metkon 0.3 μm-39 and Metkon 0.05 μm-15 vol.%, respectively. The contents of monomer added in slurry were 20 wt%, respectively and dimmer (cross-linker) of 2 wt% was added in all slurry. The effect of starting materials, especially particle size, has been analyzed through microstructural analysis and green density. And for mixing time has been analysis through microstructural analysis. Microstructural analysis revealed that the size and distribution of pores in the green body was radically reduced with decreasing particle size. The optimum mixing time based on the microstructural analysis was 8 hour.
Pengoptimuman dan keberkesanan pengisaran rutil dengan menggunakan pengisar jet
(2004-03-01)
Teoh, Prakash
Synthetic rutile is the new alternative method to manufacture pigment in the painting industry. Synthetic rutile are ground to produce pigments. The usage of jet mill will help to produce finer products. A research was conducted to study the performance of the jet mill in grinding synthetic rutile. The parameter which was carried out for the test for feed rate at 1.5kg/h, 4.0kg/h, 5.1kg/h and 7.8 kg/h and classifier speed were 6000 rpm, 9000 rpm, 12000 rpm and 15000 rpm were used in the test work. The grinding pressure for the process was set at 3 bars, 4 bars, 5 bars and 6 bars. Analysis of the ground products showed that the finer products was produced at feed rate of 4kg/h, grinding pressure 4 bars and a feed rate of 12000 rpm. The top size of the products, d50 are at 0.81µm. Analysis of weight percentage for fluidized bed showed positive patterns. The distribution of particle in a grinder showed that it was finer compared to feed but it is coarser then the product. Characteristization analysis compromising XRF, XRD and SEM tests is carried out to determine the existence element in rutile. XRF analysis showed that 92% of the feed composition contained titanium dioxide while the XRD test showed the existences of Fe, Ti and O3. Morphology test showed that rutile has sharp edges, smooth surfaces were elongated and flaky.
Penggunaan konduktif terma poliuretana sebagai bahan terma antaramuka yang mungkin
(2005-03-01)
Wong, Yoke Pei
The possibility of using polyurethane as the matrix of a thermal interface material (TIM) was investigated. The effect of different kinds of filler and various filler loading on the characteristic of the TIMs also investigated. In this study, alumina, aluminium nitrate and silicon carbide were used as reinforcements in polyurethane matrix. The thermal and mechanical properties were evaluated. The results show that further increase of the filler content increases the thermal conductivity of the TIMs where the sample with 30 volume percent of filler poses higher thermal conductivity than those of 25, 20, 10, 5 and 0 volume percent. As expected, the thermal conductivity is governed by the number of conductive networks between the fillers. Here, the thermal stability of TIMs improved with the addition of filler. Thermogravimetry Analyzer (TGA), Thermal Cycle Testing and the Hardness Test after thermal cycle testing had proved this. The Thermo mechanical analyzer (TMA) showed that CTE of the material decreases by increasing filler contents. From the micrograph of the SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), found that the filler are distributed uniformly inside the matrix and the adhesion and wetability of the filler with the matrix (Polyurethane) are good. Meanwhile, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) show that the storage modulus of the samples was increase with increases of filler content but it is stabile in the service temperature. The phase angle Tan D of the samples decrease with increases of filler content. Therefore, thermally conductive polyurethane can used as the TIM material.
Penghasilan kaca dari abu kayu mangga
(2005-03-01)
Saidin, Salina
An innovative glass based on aluminosilicate system, SiO2-Al2O3-Na2O-CaO was produced of using mango wood ash as part the principal source of calcium oxide, CaO. Mango wood ash burning by dried mango chips in closed system at 10000C for 40 minutes soaking time. XRD analysis showed that the ash produced is high in CaO and XRF analysis confirmed that the CaO content in the wood ash is 71 weight %. Particle size distribution and DSC/TG analysis were also conducted on the ash. A local silica sand was processed by washing, scrubbing and magnetic separation to separate out the impurities before being used in the glass composition to supply the SiO2 requirement. The batch composition was calculated before melting the glass at 15000C for 5 hours soaking duration. A clear and bubble-free glass is successfully produced. Density and hardness (Vickers) tests conducted on the glass gave values of 2.64 g/cm3 and 617.3 HV respectively. Subsequently heat treatment on the glass at 8900C (nucleation) for 1 hour followed by 9100C (crystal growth) for 5 hours has also successfully produced a glass ceramic. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to analysis the morphology and size of the crystals produced.
Pengaruh bahan tambah metakaolin sebagai bahan pengganti dalam peresapan ion klorida dalam mortar
(2005-03-01)
Mohd Zain, Mohd Norhanizan
This study is done to define chloride ions absorbtion coefficient rate which is going through the mortar. Main factor studied was the effect of metakaolin addition with different composition on the chloride ion absorbtion in mortar. 4 samples is tested where one sample is not added with metakaolin while another three samples is added with metakaolin with different composition that is 12.5%, 20% dan 27.5%. Chosen methods was faster method by using electric field. This method is more practical because shorter time is needed compared to the soaking method. A part of the chloride ion which is going through the mortar is absorbed by the gel produced from the mortar hydrating process. Chloride bonding processes will effluence the speed of chloride ion absorbtion into the mortar layer. This will reduced the effective absorbtion coefficient. In this project water:cement ratio is fixed at a value of 0.55 and cement:aggregate is 1:2. This is to ensure those factors will not effluence the absorbtion rate. Another tests which has been done were compressive strength test and density test. With addition of metacaolin, the chloride ion absorbtion coefficient is reduced from6.29 x 10-8 to 2.41 x 10-8 for NernsPlank and for Einstein the value is reduced from 12.2 x 10-8 to 4.42 x 10-8. The decreasing of the chloride ions absorbtion coefficient is for the composition which is not added with metakaolin and for the sample with 27.5% metakaolin.
Kesan peningkatan suhu terhadap pembentukan titanium silisida
(2005-03-01)
Balakrishnan, Prakash Babu
The purpose of this research is to study the effect of temperature increases subjected to titanium silicide(TiSi2) formation. This study is based on the comparison of thickness sheet resistance and grain size of titanium silicide with temperatures increases. The relation between the sheet resistance with the grain size and the phases present in various temperature also studied in this project. The titanium silicide formed through the depositon of the titanium on the silicon by magnetron sputtering and followed by the two step of anneling (pre and post annealing) within the temperature range 400-1100 oC for 10 minutes. Three types of characteristic carried out in this study are X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the presences of titanium silicide phases, scanning electron microscope (SEM) to obtain the the microstructure of the titanium silicide and four point probe todetermine the sheet resistance of titanium silicide which formed in various annealing temperatures. However, the expected results, the formation of TiSi2 didn’t obtained because of the oxygen’s influence in titanium silicide formation. Generally the thickness and grain size of the formed silicide increasse when the annealing temperature increase. But the sheet resistance of the silicide film was decrease when the temperature increases. Various phase of titanium silicide formed in differrent annealing temperature in the range of 400-800 oC, such as TiSi, Ti5Si3 and TiSi2. Besides the the titanium silicide phases, other type of phases also presents, such as oxides of titanium and silicon.
Kajian penghasilan teras seramik berliang dan system perekat dalam struktur sandwic
(2005-03-01)
Rahmat, Mohd Hafiz
Porous ceramic has a great potential to advance in the field of medical, water and air filter and refractory. However, the low strength property often limited the usage of porous ceramic in certain application. The combination of porous ceramic with the metal layer bonded with adhesive to form a sandwich structure can be used as light building materials. This research involved three phases that is the production of porous ceramic, identification ratio of epoxy to hardener and determination of the correct amount of adhesive usage. In the first phase, porous ceramic was produce by using the polymer sponge technique. Ceramic slurry was prepared by mixing the porcelain powder with distilled water at 40 to 50 % solid loading content. The sponge was dipped into the ceramic slurry and the excess slurry was removed. The dipped sponge was dried for one day at 100 oC before sent to sintering at 1250 oC. Porous ceramic produced was based on Archimedes and strength test. The second phase involved mixing epoxy with hardener at 45 to 55 % weight ratio to produce adhesive, visual inspection and viscosity determination by drop test. The third phase was to apply the adhesive to porous ceramic with 4 to 12 g amount. The tear, shear stress and Modulus of Rupture (MOR) test were conduct to observe the adhesive bonding. Result obtained from the first phase indicated the 45 % of solid loading was the suitable composition to produce porous ceramic. Porous ceramic inhibit 58 to 81 % of apparent porosity with bulk density range from 0.5 to 0.8 g/cm3. Compression strength was recorded between 1.01 to 2.01 MPa. The bulk density and compression strength of porous ceramic produced proportional to the solid loading contents. The drop test in second phase indicated the drop rate increased with the amount of epoxy. From the observation, the ratio of 50 % epoxy gave the better drop rate. The third phase, the tear test showed 8 g adhesive gave the excellent property. The value of stress strength was obtained in the range from 0.01 to 0.04 MPa, while strain strength was recorded in range 2.4 to 8.4. The result of three bend test showed that the yield stress in range of 0.025 to 0.038 MPa. As the overall, 45 % solid loading with excellent property can be applied for porous ceramic core. The ratio of 50 % epoxy were the best mixing adhesive and the use 8 g adhesive where suitable for stick sandwich structure with excellent strength.
Kesan gegaran bumi dan ledakan udara terhadap alam sekitar akibat daripada aktiviti peletupan
(2005-03-01)
Tan, Lai Tee
Our country development pace has reached a stage whereby the quarry operators must improve it operational efficiency in the excavation of rocks due to constraint posed by the environmental requirement and the authority. The most important activities in the excavation operation in quarrying are drilling and blasting where the environmental impacts posed are ground vibration, noise, fly rock, dust and gases. So this project would emphasis the effect of ground vibration and noise on the environment pertaining by granite quarry operators. The objectives of this project are to observe the usage and handling explosive at the quarry and to determine the related field coefficients for the calculation of ground vibration which result from blasting activities. Data from the quarry operator and the vibration level are measured by using blastmate and blastronic. The ground vibration is low where the site constant of β=1.5323 and k=525.9. The average observed noise level of 110.93 dBL is also low comparing to the standard level determined by the authorities. Even though the operating quarry followed all the laws and regulations required but still chances of environmental impacts are there. As there is no way to prevent it so the best way is to control and minimize the level of the environmental impacts. These can be done perfectly with the cooperation of all the parties that involved.
Kesan penambahan sno2 terhadap bahan ferroelektrik baru bati2o5 melalui kaedah tindak balas pepejal
(2005-03-01)
Amir, Amalina
Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menghasilkan seramik BaTi2O5 melalui tindakbalas kaedah pepejal. Tumpuan diberikan kepada kesan penambahan SnO2 dan suhu pembakaran untuk menstabilkan BaTi2O5. Perubahan fizikal, mikrostuktur dan sifat elektrik yang berlaku akibat daripada penambahan SnO2 dikaji untuk memahami sifat ferroelektik BaTi2O5 dengan lebih mendalam lagi.
Reductive leaching of local manganese ore
(2009-05-01)
Loo, Peir Ling
Reductive leaching of manganese from a low-grade ore (22.07% Mn) from Sungai Temau, Pahang was investigated using hydrochloric acid in the presence and absence of hydrogen peroxide as a reducing agent. Sample characterization by XRD showed the presence of a variety of manganese minerals including Ramsdelite, syn- MnO2, Akhtenskite, syn-epsilon-MnO2, Ramsdelite, syn-gamma-MnO2, Pyrolusite, syn- beta-MnO2. The presence of iron mineral only hematite, syn-Fe2O3 was observed in the sample, as well as silica minerals like Silicon Oxide, alpha-SiO2, Quartz Low, dauphine-twinned-SiO2, Silicon Oxide, Si96O192. The presence of aluminium mineral is Aluminium Oxide, kappa-Al2O3. For tetravalent manganese, it was necessary to use H2O2 as reducing agent. The effects of concentration of hydrochloric acid and hydrogen peroxide, ratio of HCl / H2O2 concentration, leaching temperature as well as reaction time were discussed. The relevant leaching factors were optimized as 2M of HCl, 0.4M of H2O2, solid / liquid ratio of 1:10 and the ratio of 5:1 for HCl / H2O2 at 80°C for 3 hours leaching time using 75µm ground manganese ore.
Study on fine grinding of mica in jet mill for filler application in plastic
(2009-05-01)
Yung, Mei Hua
This main objective of this study is to produce ultrafine mica below 10µm in order to fulfill the requirement as filler for plastic industry. Fine grinding process of mica was carried out in an Alpine 100 AFG air jet mill by varying the operation parameters such as feed rate, classifier rotational speed and grinding pressure. The ground products were characterized by X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Particle Size Analysis (PSA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrafred Spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and density test. The predominant constituents of the sample were 52% SiO2 and 35% Al2O3. The size reduction and mechanochemical effect of mica take place simultaneously as the jet mill is an energy intensive grinding mill. The minimum particle size obtained was 5.85µm with a span value of 1.08. Degree crystallinity of ground mica was ranging from 28.90% to 84.62%. The crystallite size ranged from 2.410nm to 7.496nm whilst lattice strain ranged from 0.246 to 1.056. Delamination and destructive breakage mechanism took place according to the varying operation parameters of the jet mill. Si-O stretching bands exhibited as the main bonding in mica. The specific surface area increased as particle size decreased and ranged from 7.099 m²/g to 36.105 m²/g. For density test, the density of the ground mica ranged from 2.6014 g/cm³ to 2.7572 g/cm³.
Effect of bentonite loading on polypropylene functionalized maleic anhydride
(2009-05-01)
Ali, Hayazi
The effect of bentonite on degree of grafting of polypropylene functionalized maleic anhydride (PP-g-MAh) has been studied. Preparation of PP-g-MAh was carried out using melt radical grafting in Polydrive Thermo Haake internal mixer at 180˚C with rotor speed 50 rpm for five minutes. The bentonite concentration was varied up to 25 phr loading with the monomer and initiator concentrations were fixed at 5 phr and 1 phr respectively. The quantification of success maleic anhydride grafted onto polypropylene was done by back titration method and the percentage of grafted maleic anhydride was supported by the Fourier Transform Infra Red spectra. Besides Rheological study also conducted in order to observe melt flow behavior. It was found that degree of grafting of maleic anhydride increase until the maximum 1.3% achieved at 10 phr bentonite loading. Rheological study showed that melt viscosity reduced at low bentonite loading and then increased when benotnite concentration exceeded more than 5 phr.
Preparation and properties of high density polyethylene-kenaf fiber-wood flour hybrid composites
(2009-05-01)
Abu Bakar, Zati Iwani
The moisture absorption of recycled high density polyethylene (RHDPE) composites containing two types of different filler which were kenaf core filler (KCF) and wood flour (WF) have been studied by immersing the composite in room temperature. The filler content were varying to 50 % by weight for both filler. During compounding, 5% maleated polyethylene is added to the composite as the compatibilizing agent. Composite of recycled high density polyethylene and kenaf core filler/meranti wood flour were prepared by using twin screw extruder and compression molding technique is used to produce sample. The test specimen was cut out from compression molded sheets by using dumbell cutter. The mechanical properties of the composite such as tensile test, Izod impact test and flexural test using three point bending configuration also have been studied. The incorporation of filler bring the significant effect in increasing the tensile and flexural modulus. The tensile strength is slightly increased due to incorporation of filler. However, the elongation at break and impact strength is significantly reduced. The incorporation of 5 wt % of maleated polyethylene (MAPE) had improve the interaction and adhesion between the non polar matrix and the polar natural fibers thus increased the mechanical properties and gave resistance to water absorption. But for the composite that have been immersed in water, there is some significant loss in mechanical properties of the water saturated samples compared to the control samples. The morphology change of the composite is monitored by using scanning electron microscope before and after immersion into the water.
The effect of fiber pretreatment and compatibilizer on the tensile properties and water absorption behaviour of polypropylene-kenaf fiber composites
(2009-05-01)
Ramlee, Muhamad Amin
Recently, the incorporation of natural fibers as reinforcing agents or as a fillers in polymer composites has received an increased attention. This is due to attractive advantages such as high specific properties, biodegradable, low density, low cost and in abundant amount. However, there are main drawbacks which are the hydrophilicity of the natural fibers which results in high moisture absorption and weak adhesion to hydrophobic matrices. Therefore, fiber pretreatment and compatibilizer are considered in modifying the fiber surface properties although having a negative impact on the economics. In this research, the different fiber pretreatment were used including alkali, acetylation, hot solution of MAPP and in-situ process with MAPP. The modified kenaf fibers were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The FTIR revealed that the fiber surface chemistry was altered after the treatment and SEM shows removal of non-crystalline constituents. In case of tensile properties, the treated-fiber composite shows higher tensile strength than the untreated-fiber composite. The SEM on tensile fracture surface revealed that better interfacial adhesion occurs between the fiber and matrix for the treated-fiber composites. The effect of chemical modification on moisture uptake was also analyzed. Chemical modification was seen to reduce the water uptake in the composite. The diffusion coefficient was calculated and the mechanism of diffusion follows the Fickian theory. The results indicated a significant difference among different treatment and the acetylation treatment is the best method to reduce the water uptake of composite.

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